The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a panel of medical experts to ascertain health status of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu and fitness to stand trial.
Penpushing reports that the trial judge James Omotosho gave the order to the association and to submit the independent medical report to the court within eight days from the date of the ruling.
The judge specifically, ordered the President of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute an investigative committee to determine Kanu’s health status and the suitable health facility for his treatment.
Penpushing further reports that Omotosho in same vein, ordered the panel, which he said should be between eight to 10 members, to assess the State Security Service (SSS) facility in Abuja for its suitability to take care of Kanu’s health while he faces trial.
The order emphasized that the panel should determine if Kanu,should be moved to National Hospital for urgent medical attention as he requested, as well as to consider if Kanu was medically fit to stand trial.
Penpushing also reports that he equally ordered that the Chief Medical Director of Abuja National Hospital or his representative must be a member of the panel, in view of the fact that Kanu, having chosen the hospital for his treatment.
“The report of this panel set up by president of NMA shall be signed by the chairman and secretary of the committee. This report shall be filed within eight days of this ruling,” the judge ordered.
Penpushing reports that Kanu, who is standing trial for terrorism and treasonable felony, has been in the State Security Service (SSS) custody in Abuja since June 2021, with charges which include carrying out terrorist activities, broadcasting threats across Nigeria, to achieve the secession of Nigeria’s Igbo-dominated southeastern states and parts of neighbouring states as a sovereign nation.
The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) denied all charges filed against him in the case, which commenced in 2015, while the trial commenced afresh before Judge Omotosho in 2025.
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